Folding lunch-box



(No Model.)

F. B. PARKS. FOLDING LUNGH BOX.

Patented Dec. 30, 1884.

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the cover, of my improved lunch-box.-

NITED STATES PATENT Fries.

FOLDING LUNCH-BOX.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No.309.872, dated December 30, 1884. Application filed August 11,1884. (No model.)

'of Massachusetts, have invented certain 'Improvements in Folding Lunch-Boxes, of which the following is a specification.

This invention has for its object to provide a folding lunch-box of simple and inexpensive construction, adapted to be readily put into box form, and readily folded when not required for use.

The invention consists in a box composed of two side pieces, two end pieces, a bottom, and a cover, constructed as hereinafter described, the bottom and the side pieces being detachably connected by means of longitudinal sockets on the bottom and longitudinal beads on the side pieces fitting in said sock ets, and secured to the bottom thereby when the side pieces stand at right angles to the bottom, and adapted to turn, therein and be removed therefrom, so as to permit the side pieces to lie flat on the bottom.

Of the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, Figures 1 and 2 represent perspective views of the two side and end pieces detached. Fig. 3 represents a perspective view of the bottom detached. Fig. & represents across-section of the box in condition for use. Fig. 5 represents a similar section showing the box folded.

The same letters of reference indicate the same parts in all the figures.

In the drawings, a represents the bottom, 7; b the side pieces, 0 c the end pieces, and (1 One end piece is hinged to each side piece, as shown in Letters Patent granted to me July 16, 1867, the side pieces being connected to the bottom by means hereinafter described. The end pieces may be turned so as to stand at right angles with the side pieces, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, or lie against the side pieces when the box is folded, as shown in Fig. 5. In my former patent the side pieces were permanently hinged to the bottom in the same way that they are hinged to the end pieces, the side pieces with the ends placed against them being turned down against the bottom in folding the box, and raised at right angles with the bottom to adapt the box for use.

In carrying out my present invention I dispense with the permanent hinge-connection between the bottom and the side pieces, and provide the bottom with longitudinal upturned flanges a a, the inner sides of which are concave and constitute sockets. I also provide the side pieces, I) b, with outwardlyprojecting beads f f at their lower edges, adapted easily to enter and be removed from the sockets formed by the flanges a, and to turn in said sockets with the same facility as if they were permanently hinged to the bottom, the flanges a and beads f constitutingwhat I term detachable rollingjoints. The box is therefore adapted to be conveniently folded and unfolded.

\Vhen the box is in condition for use, the beadsf are prevented by the end pieces from slipping out from the sockets formed by the flanges a. The end pieces, when at right angles to the side pieces, constitute transverse braces or supports,which hold the side pieces against the flanges a. The bottom is provided at its ends with upwardly turned flanges or stops 9 g, which bear against the ends of the side pieces and prevent them from sliding lengthwise both when the box is in condition for use and when folded.

I It will be seen that by the described improvement I obviate the expense of a permanent hinge-connection between the side pieces and the bottom, and enable the side and end pieces to be entirely removed from the bottom, if desired. The cover (I has ears (1 d,

ends of the end pieces from moving accident pieces, said bosses preventing the swinging which are adapted to slide in ribs formed by ally away from the flanges p on the side pieces,

against which the end pieces bear when the box is in condition for use. The swinging ends of the end pieces stand between the flanges p and bosses 0, the latter preventing said ends from swinging inwardly unless sufficient pressure is applied to push them by the bosses.

I claim 1. The improved lunch-box composed of the hearing at their ends against the stops 9 g, and the end pieces, 0, hinged to the side pieces, as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two sub scribing witnesses, this 4th day of August,

bottom a, having the longitudinal socketed flanges a a, the side pieces, I) 22, having the beads ff, formed to enter the socketed flanges and to turn therein, and the end pieces hinged to the side pieces and holding them in engagement with the socketed flanges of the bottom,

I as set forth. I 1884.

2. In a foldin lunch-box the combination i 1 T of the bottom 31 having the socketed side I LRANKLIA PARKS flanges, aa, and the end flanges or stops, 9 g, I \Vitnesses: the side pieces having the beads f f, formed to V O. F. BROWN, enter and turn in the socketed flanges a, and l H. BROWN 

